...The duo has made some of my favorite Christmas music over the years, beginning with several tracks on Windham Hill's Winter Solstice and Christmas samplers to their own albums like the haunting A Quiet Knowing Christmas. With Under the Wonder Sky, they've thrown the log on the fire of yet another near perfect seasonal recording. Whether you celebrate Christmas with spiritual intent or just love the quiet mood and reflective atmosphere of the winter season, Under the Wonder Sky is a perfect soundtrack.
– John Diliberto / Echoes
www.echoes.org/picks.html

...Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning have teamed up once again to produce a stellar album of Christmas music. Their earlier Christmas collections, A Quiet Knowing Christmas and Stars In The Morning East, get plenty of play around my house during December. Now I have a new favorite: Under The Wonder Sky.

This album contains eleven instrumental Christmas pieces. Nine are familiar carols. Two are original compositions. All of the songs combine a variety of instruments in an enticing, inspiring, and quieting Celtic genre. Wendy Goodwin's violin playing adds the perfect touch.

I love Christmas carols and songs. And there are time when I'm happy to blast a choral version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" or Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song." But sometimes, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas, I'd rather put on some quiet instrumental music, something the calm my nerves or enrich my devotions. Under The Wonder Sky is this kind of musical collection.
– Mark Roberts / blog.beliefnet.com

credits

released September 7, 2010

Produced and engineered by Jeff Johnson
Recorded and mixed at The Ark / Camano Island, WA